Public Izakaya Torichizu Shinjuku Kabukicho — Restaurant in Tokyo

Public Izakaya Torichizu lures you in with all the right promises: crispy karaage, juicy yakitori, and the kind of budget-friendly izakaya fare that keeps the tables full and the drinks flowing. The menu is classic comfort — nothing revolutionary, but everything lands where it should, with decent seasoning and prices that won’t make your wallet weep. It’s the kind of place you’d happily bring a large group for a rowdy, low-pressure night out in Kabukicho.

But what unfolded during our visit with a party of eight in a private room turned our pleasant meal into a surreal health-hazard horror show. Midway through dinner, a rat — yes, a full-sized rat — fell from the ceiling into our private room. The shock of it derailed the entire evening, and not a single staff member responded with the gravity such a situation deserves.

Instead of apologizing or addressing the unsanitary conditions, the staff offered silence. Only after extended, uncomfortable back-and-forth did we receive a token ¥2,000 discount on a ¥25,000 meal — not even enough to cover a round of drinks, let alone the violation of basic hygiene.

Torichizu may serve solid food for cheap, but no amount of seasoning can cover up what we witnessed. Cleanliness is non-negotiable — and in this case, unforgivable. Come for the food if you must, but...

Cute place but food was subpar but I don’t eat chicken skin, so I guess I’m biased. Agedashi tofu was good. Chicken wings were bland and flavors just weren’t there. Fries were nice and crunchy but very salty. Otherwise great customer service and good place to come with friends on a night out.

As mentioned in another review, our bill had a random additional 30% charge; our bill went from 2,896 to 3,774. When asked about it, we were told there’s a per person cover charge of 399yen. Wouldn’t come back based on food but definitely wouldn’t considering the...

Horrible and awful experience at this Izakaya. The staff are so rude without any reason. The place was not full and there were several tables available but the first table we were sat at was right next to the washroom which was very stinky and the area next to the washroom was not clean. We moved because of this then they got very upset with us for moving and gave us even more attitude. I do not recommend this place. There are better places to spend your money. I regret buying...